Chad Colton helps Pacific Northwest companies and business owners navigate their most high-stakes commercial litigation—when businesses, reputations, and livelihoods are on the line.
Recognized by Chambers USA as a “go-to lawyer for bet-the-company commercial litigation,” Chad has served as lead counsel in some of the most high-profile commercial jury trials in the Pacific Northwest. He often handles cases in the sports and entertainment industries, both representing and opposing A-list celebrities and major footwear companies. For example, he frequently represents adidas and recently defeated Nike’s eight-figure claims against NFL legend Odell Beckham Jr. at trial.
Chad’s client roster includes international brands, regional businesses, and startups. His typical cases run the gamut of complex business litigation, including contracts, trade secrets, fiduciary duties, securities, intellectual property, and high-damages tort claims. Chad also represents closely-held business owners in complex partnership and shareholder disputes.
Chad has taken more than 25 cases to trial across the country—from Portland to Atlanta to Los Angeles. Achieving that level of trial experience was no accident. As commercial litigation has increased in complexity, few commercial litigators have developed the skills to take high-stakes cases all the way through trial. Starting early in his career, Chad set out to fill that void, finding opportunities to learn from the top trial lawyers in the region and gaining hands-on experience taking cases to trial. He now shares tips on trial work, depositions, and oral argument with his peers through his video series “When You Need to Win” and live seminars.
Chad loves what he does and is one of those rare people who found a profession that aligns with his talents. More importantly, clients love working with Chad and his team. As market sources reported to Chambers, Chad is a “great communicator and strategist” and an “elite” trial lawyer who has what most litigators don’t: “actual trial experience and outstanding public speaking skills.” As one client said, “In the courtroom, he holds a charismatic presence of integrity with the judge and jury that delivers results and makes you proud to have him representing you.” Given his skill set, clients and other lawyers often bring Chad into cases as “parachute counsel” to lead them through trial and other major case events.
Regardless of the case, Chad and his team deliver the highest-quality work product—work that clients often say exceeds the quality of the largest national law firms. For Chad, it’s not just work; it’s a deep commitment to helping people through some of their thorniest and most stressful business problems.
Chad balances his work with his dedication to his family and (some may say) an insufferable obsession with Led Zeppelin albums and karaoke—i.e., re-living his days playing guitar and singing in loud rock bands. He also stays active in his community, serving on the boards of directors and in leadership positions for numerous non-profits and legal organizations, including Civics Learning Project, Up & Out, Quechua Benefit, the Technology and Corporate Counsel sections of the Oregon State Bar, and the Oregon Association of Defense Counsel.
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